36-DAY / 35-NIGHT GROUP TOUR
EAST COAST ADVENTURE
5-WEEK SYDNEY TO CAIRNS | ADDED ACTIVITIES
Prices start from
$6,569
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$7,299
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
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36-DAY / 35-NIGHT GROUP TOUR

EAST COAST ADVENTURE

5-WEEK SYDNEY TO CAIRNS | ADDED ACTIVITIES

5.0 Rating - 1084 Traveller Reviews
Prices start from
$6,569
Save 10%
$7,299
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your date with a deposit today. See our booking policy for full terms.
Check Dates & BookCHECK DATES Get Trip NotesTrip Notes Request More InfoMore Info
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TRIP OVERVIEW

Calling all adrenaline seekers! Our most popular tour has upgraded! This tour is our original 5 Week East Coast Explorer tour with an additional 6 heart pumping activities added to the itinerary!   This epic fully guided Group Tour East Coast Adventure Project  is designed for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies. Experience the thrill of White Water Rafting and Jetsking the Whitsunday Islands, Exploring Waterfalls and Everglades,  Camping on K’gari, Sailing the Whitsundays plus more on this unforgettable adventure! This is the ultimate adventure pack for those seeking the ultimate adrenaline experience! Check out all the upgraded inclusions below.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Everything included in our award-winning 5 Week East Coast Explorer tour, plus six epic bonus adrenaline activities
  • Experience bonus adventures including White Water Rafting, Cairns Canyoning, Whitsundays Scenic Flight, Airlie Beach Jet Ski, Noosa Everglades Cruise & Canoe, and the Behind the Bay Waterfall Tour
  • Camp on K’gari (Fraser Island), sail the Whitsunday Islands and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
  • Travel from Sydney to Cairns with plenty of free time to personalise your adventure in every destination
  • Visit Australia’s most iconic East Coast destinations including Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Cairns
  • Fully guided from start to finish by an experienced ULTIMATE Group Leader
  • Our ultimate adrenaline package with thousands of dollars’ worth of bonus experiences already included in the tour price
  • The perfect East Coast adventure for thrill-seekers wanting more action, more value and unforgettable memories
East Coast Explorer Adrenaline Adventure Project
  • ULTIMATE Group Leader – This trip is fully led by an experienced Group Leader.
  • Sydney City Tour – Explore Sydney on Day 1 visiting the Opera House and Harbour Bridge!
  • Visit the iconic Lighthouse – Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse on Australia’s most easterly point.
  • Surf Lesson – Learn to surf like a local with a beginner Surf Lesson
  • Behind the Bay – Begin your Byron Bay adventure with a waterfalls to beaches tour
  • Beach & City Orientation Walk – Visit Australia’s famous Surfers Paradise Beach and popular party strip.
  • Southbank Beach & City Orientation Walk – Visit the man made lagoon in the centre of Brisbane City!
  • Everglades Cruise & Canoe – Immerse yourself in the wilderness in Australia’s only Everglades
  • Sand Blow Walk – Be wonderstruck at one of the coasts most unique ‘moonscape’ landscapes.
  • 3 day / 2 night All inclusive K’gari Camping Adventure – Experience the ULTIMATE adventure camping on Fraser Island! Visit fresh water lakes, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck plus more!
  • Scenic Flight – Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, including iconic Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the renowned Heart Reef at the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Airlie Adventure JetSki tour – Pilot your own jetski along the coastline, where you’ll marvel at the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands and seek out turtles in Airlie’s picturesque bays.
  • 2 day / 2 night Whitsunday Island Sailing. – Sail the iconic Whitsunday Islands on a boat. Visit Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and party in paradise!
  • Forts Walk – Experience a National Park and keep an eye out for koalas, stunning views and World War II relics all set in the island’s dry tropical landscape.
  • White Water Rafting – Experience the ultimate adventure on the Tully River! Navigate grade 3 & 4 rapids through a stunning World Heritage rainforest gorge.
  • Visit the  Lagoon – 5 nights in the Adventure Capital of Australia to get your adrenaline pumping with customised experiences!
  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip – Experience this wonder of the world and snorkel the reef!
  • Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls tour – We visit this World Heritage listed Rainforest, home to stunning waterfalls plus more!
  • Canyoning – Embark on a thrilling adventure in the tropical rainforest. Learn abseiling techniques amidst stunning views and cascading waterfalls.

THE TOUR ITINERARY

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DAY 1 | WELCOME TO SYDNEY

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Your Ultimate East Coast Explorer adventure starts here in Sydney, with a guided tour of the city and an orientation at the Ultimate HQ. Get to know your group throughout the afternoon before we begin our epic journey up the East Coast. We’ll travel overnight by coach, complete with wifi and reclining chairs so sit back, relax and get ready for 5 weeks exploring the very best of the wonderful East Coast of Australia!

DAY 2 – 5 | BYRON BAY

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This morning, we arrive in Byron Bay, the boho hub of the East Coast. Explore the town, chill on the stunning beaches and embrace the laid-back surfer vibes of Byron! We’ll take part in a fun, professional surf lesson so you’ll be riding the waves like a pro in no time! Zen out at morning yoga, enjoy more time exploring Byron, and enjoy some of the hostels evening events! You will head to the famous Byron lighthouse to take in the gorgeous ocean views at the most easterly point of Australia. Check out the best of Byron on the waterfalls and coastal tour and add-on a dolphin kayak to finish your stay!

INCLUSIONS: BEHIND THE BAY & SURF LESSON

DAY 6-8 | SURFERS PARADISE

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Set off for our next stop; Surfers Paradise! The city that meets the sea is known for its awesome waves, never-ending nightlife and long sandy beaches, Surfers is a real highlight of the East Coast. We’ll explore the town and the beautiful beaches this area is renowned for. Spend the next day chilling by the pool, soaking up the sun or exploring the city from Australia’s tallest building (add-on)

DAY 9-11 | BRISBANE

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Now we hop on the bus and head to Brisbane! We’ll explore the best bits of Brisbane, from man-made Streets Beach to Southbank, the cultural hub. This evening enjoy a night out in the city, see Story Bridge lit up at night or have a go at karaoke! You’ll also have the option to visit the famous Australia Zoo to see some amazing wildlife!

DAY 12-13 | NOOSA

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Tropical greenery, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches – Noosa, our next stop, is gorgeous! We’ll arrive in the afternoon, chill by the beach and watch the sunset. Tomorrow, we’ll take a hike over the coastal headlands taking in the amazing sea views, see the fairy pools and try spotting some koalas. The rest of the day is yours: chill by the pool, grab a surfboard or boogie board from your hostel (free) or have a couple-a beers at a local bar before joining in the hostels free evening events. You will also get to experience Noosa Everglades- one of only two everglades systems in the world!

INCLUSIONS: NATIONAL PARK WALK & EVERGLADES TOUR

DAY 14 -19 | RAINBOW BEACH

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Our next stop is Rainbow beach, the gateway to our K’gari adventure! Check into our hostel prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Upon return to Rainbow Beach you will have a guided walk to the Carlo Sand Blow, and kayaking with dolphins! The rest of the day is free for you to chill on the beach, explore Rainbow or relax by the hostel pool.

DAY 15-17 | K’GARI (FRASER ISLAND CAMPING)

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Ready to explore the world’s largest sand island? Today, we will begin our K’gari (Fraser Island) adventure, exploring this vast island in a 4×4! We will drive on the beach highway, take a dip in the amazing clear waters of Lake McKenzie, bathe in the champagne pools, and see many other unique landscapes on the island. We’ll be spending the 2 nights here in our own private campsite, just a few metres from the beach, so kick back and disconnect from the outside world!

DAY 20-25 | AIRLIE BEACH

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Check into your hostel before heading out to explore tropical Airlie Beach in style! Jump on the back of a jetski to zip around the Whitsundays, and fly over the islands on a Scenic Flight! After our Whitsundays sailing adventure we will come back here for one more night to celebrate with the crew at the after boat party before heading to our next destination.

DAY 21-23 | WHITSUNDAYS SAILING

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It’s time to start our Whitsundays adventure! We’ll be spending the next few days cruising around the stunning Whitsunday islands on a sail boat. We’ll be sleeping onboard so get comfy, have a drink, enjoy some delicious food, and settle into the gorgeous surroundings. Snorkel in pristine blue waters, visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, chill with your mates and witness some incredible sunsets. The Whitsundays are breathtaking! After two amazing days on the boat, we’ll head back to our hostel in Airlie Beach for one more night.

DAY 25-28 | MAGNETIC ISLAND

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You’re in for a treat as we spend the next few days exploring Magnetic Island! Want to meet some of Australia’s cutest marsupials up close? Feed the wallaby’s at Geoffrey Bay or spot the local Koalas on the Forts Walk! Check out the Wildlife Park where you can meet ‘Harry the Wombat’, Maggies biggest icon. Snorkel in the pristine island waters, hike to incredible views of the island and chill at the beach front hostel. Rent a 4×4 ‘Topless jeep’ and drive around the island with your mates (available for hire!)

INCLUSIONS: FORTS WALK

DAY 29-30 | MISSION BEACH

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Our next stop is Mission beach, where the rainforest meets the sea. We recommend exploring the neighbouring National Park, traditional country of The Djiru Aboriginal people. Gear up for a bit of adrenaline action, we’ll go on awesome white water rafting adventure in Tully. Mission beach is also home to Australia’s highest skydive (15,000ft!), so if you’re feeling adventurous and brave – get signed up (add-on). Fly over the reef, jump out a plane and land on the beach!

DAY 31-35 | CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF

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Our East Coast Adventure ends in Cairns – the Ultimate backpacker destination, home to the Great Barrier Reef and gateway to the Rainforest. Our first full day in Cairns will be spent on a day trip to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef! We’ll take a boat to the outer reef and snorkel around the vibrant coral, encountering turtles, stingrays and maybe even Nemo – an experience you’ll never forget! We will be exploring the Tablelands region, chilling under waterfalls and sliding down natural rock slides. Spend your final days canyoning on your final thrilling adventure and soaking up the sun while you reminisce on the past 5 week of adventure with your new mates!

INCLUSIONS: GREAT BARRIER REEF & CANYONING

> WHERE WE STAY

The Ultimate East Coast Adrenaline Pack tour includes 33 nights accommodation and 2 overnight buses.

  • 29-nights are spent in dorm share accommodation in the very best hostels on the Aussie East Coast. You’ll be staying in a beachfront hostel, resort-style flashpacker accommodation and centrally located properties close to the best experiences at each stop.
  • You’ll also spend 2 nights sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and 2-nights camping on K’gari (Fraser Island.)
  • Accommodation is based on 4-10 bed shared dorm arrangements.
  • Twin share and Private  rooms upgrades are available.
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BOOK TOUREast Coast Adrenaline 5 Week
Pay Today: $300 AUD per person
Final payment due 45 days before your tour.

To make your booking, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. If you are unsure about optional extras or if you need additional accommodation before or after your tour, you can let us know later via email.

We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour. You can make payments on your tour balance sooner, or regularly, via our website here. A non refundable 5.25% booking processing fee applies to each booking, calculated on the value of your booking.

Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!

Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.

Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.

Good to Know | FAQs

If you’re looking for the ULTIMATE thrill-seeking adventure, this tour is for you!   We’ve designed the itinerary for those who crave non-stop excitement at every destination! This tour includes all the same stops as our East Coast Explorer tour, but we’ve taken it to the next level by doubling the fun with our exhilarating activities!   Get ready to jetski around the stunning Whitsunday Islands, experience the adrenaline rush of canyoning in Cairns, white water raft in the rapids, and so much more!   This isn’t just a tour; it’s an adventure of a lifetime. If you want heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping action from start to finish, this tour is the ULTIMATE choice for you!

The Ultimate East Coast Adrenaline Pack start in Sydney on Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays) at 11.30am and ends in Cairns on Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays) at 10am. At the end of your adventure your Group Leader can help you to arrange onward travel. Main Tour Meeting Point: WakeUp Hostel Sydney Central at 11.30am. Tour End Point: Gilligan’s Hostel and Resort Cairns at 10am on checkout.

You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-30-somethings from all over the world, and an ULTIMATE Group Leader. Group sizes vary but you can generally expect to travel with a group of approximately 10-20 people.

We stay at some of the most popular hostels along the Australian East Coast. All prices are based on shared accommodation in 6 –  10 share dorm style rooms.   Twin and private room upgrades are available to book but are subject to availability and single supplement charges. Note: Twin and Private room upgrades are not available on the Whitsundays, Fraser Island or overnight buses. Twin and Single room upgrades may still have shared bathroom facilities.

Although this package is jampacked with inclusions already, there will still be options to add on other activities once you are on the tour, such as skydiving, dolphin kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. On tour you can also book onward travel for after the tour. A full list of optional activities is made available to you prior to your tour starting. Please note that optional activities are subject to availability and additional booking terms and conditions.

We include an Orientation Walk at most stops of our itinerary. It is a short and guided walk with your group leader when you arrive at a new destination. It’s designed to help you get your bearings, understand the layout of the area, and learn where everything is. We’ll show you key landmarks, main streets, transport points, and local hangouts. You’ll also get insider tips on food, nightlife, activities, and the best ways to spend your free time. Our Orientation Walks are not formal, history heavy tours. While we’ll share some fun facts and local insights, the focus is on helping you experience the destination rather than providing an in depth historical guide. Most Orientation Walks take around 10 to 30 minutes depending on the destination. Orientation Walks are included in most itinerary stops where it adds value and helps you get familiar with the destination.

If you need additional nights before or after your Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book. If you are arriving early into Sydney or want to explore more of the harbour city before starting your trip, book our 6 Week East Coast Explorer tour which includes an entire week in Sydney prior to connecting with the 5 Week East Coast Explorer tour.

We are unable to book flights, but we always recommend using online search engines to research the best available flight routes, prices and times. To ease your experience, we suggest booking via a Travel Agent or directly with your preferred airline.    Travel insurance is required to participate in this tour. We recommend that you find and compare various policies to ensure you have an appropriate level of coverage for you adventure. Not sure where to start? You can find some trusted Travel Insurers here.

We have done our best to include all fees and charges but there are some key touring components that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.     Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) – Paid direct on arrival  Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) – Paid direct if required Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival   Optional Activity Levies – Whilst on tour, various local activity operators may charge a levy that is to be paid direct on the day your activity takes place. These will be communicated to you when booking any optional activities.  A local ‘levy’ is generally a tax or administration fee.

Australia has no shortage of incredible food and when travelling on our East Coast tours, we make sure we include some iconic Australian BBQs. Please refer to the tour itinerary and inclusions for a list of included meals, but please note that meals are generally not included and we recommend you account for meals and drinks in your budgeting

An airport shuttle on arrival is included. During the booking process, or once you have booked your flights, supply us with your full flight details and we’ll arrange the shuttle to take you to the tour meeting point. You can arrive up to three days before your tour starts and we’ll ensure a transfer is available to you. Closer to the start of your tour we’ll supply you with details on where to go at the airport to meet your transfer. If you do not receive this email at least one week before your tour then please contact us.

The great thing is, there is no bad time to travel to Australia! The country is so vast that depending when and where you plan on travelling you’re always likely to hit some sun! At certain times of the year there can be tropical storms in some locations across Australia, there can be hot, humid weather and there can be beautiful sunny skies with a cooler breeze. As you’ll be travelling such a wide area from South to North you are likely to experience a bit of everything. Please Note – We cannot predict the weather and cannot guarantee perfect days, but we will do our best to make the most of days when Mother Nature isn’t in our favour!

Yes! Our East Coast Explorer tour range is suited to travellers who want to travel at a reasonable pace and tailor their experience to their preferences. Each stop along our journey to Cairns will have some free time for you to explore with our group and on your own.

In most cases, we can cater to Vegetarian and Gluten Free diets. We will make every effort to cater to all other diets and needs, but we are unable to guarantee this will be possible in every location we visit. Unfortunately we can not cater for tastes or dislikes. We will ask you to re-confirm any dietary requirements with your Group Leader at the start of your trip.

If you have an existing medical condition or disability that may affect your trip or how we deliver our experience, we ask that you inform us in writing at the time of your booking. You may be asked to obtain a medical certificate and if we reasonably feel we are unable to accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline your booking.

On our Group Tours, your transport and accommodation along with the meals and activities listed on the itinerary are all included in your tour price. While you are travelling you may wish to participate in additional activities which you will need to budget for. While travelling you may wish to eat and drink out or you may plan to cook and prepare some of your own meals. As a guide, we recommend you budget an additional $40 – $60AUD per day for spending money. Please note that all travellers are different and you may wish to travel with additional spending money. There are amazing optional activities and food options on offer on the East Coast and if you desire to experience most of them, you may wish to budget for additional spending money.

Our East Coast Adrenaline pack is designed for travellers 18-35 that wish to experience the best of the East Coast. Some travellers will be on Gap Years and others will be on short holiday breaks looking to have fun, meet new people and experience Australia. Our tours are Social and Fun and our itineraries are designed for those who are eager to travel and experience their ULTIMATE Travel Moment. You should join us if you are looking to meet other travellers, make the most of every moment and experience the best of the East Coast.

At the end of your tour you’ll be full of emotions and some amazing memories, but the adventure doesn’t have to stop there! If you’re unsure of what to do after your package ends, talk to your leader or drop us an email or give us a call – we’re happy to give you recommendations on what to do next!If you’ve got the travel bug our friendly travel experts can talk you through some options – and even set you up with some sweet deals on discounted travel!On a working holiday and looking for a job? Our jobs expert can help you write the perfect CV and apply for jobs.We love hearing from you and we’re here to assist you any way we can!

We travel from Sydney to Great Barrier Reef via public transport, train and coaches. Our point to point transport feature air-conditioning, leather reclining seats, Wifi, in-seat USB chargers, and onboard toilets. We travel a whopping 2,420.2 km between Sydney and Cairns and to make the most of our time in each location, we use two overnight coach services to travel, so we arrive rested, refreshed and ready for our next adventure!

Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By joining us on tour, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.

To book this East Coast Australia tour, select your chosen departure date, enter your details and we’ll send you a booking confirmation as well as useful information about your tour and where you can meet others booked onto your start date! Got a travel date in mind but not ready to pay in full? Choose to pay a non-refundable $300 deposit to secure a spot on your chosen departure date. Need someone to talk through your travel plans with? Get in touch!

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